4 Charged With Murder In Slaying Of Innocent Bystander In Artesia

ARTESIA, CA – Four men were charged with murder in connection with two shootings, one of which was fatal, in Artesia, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced Wednesday.

The four men, who authorities say are documented gang members, were arrested Saturday after deputies patrolling in Norwalk spotted a parked car that matched the description of the car involved in the shootings, the sheriff's department press release said. The men arrested are 19-year-old Anthony Martinez Garibo, 18-year-old Adrian Nunez, 19-year-old Danny Orozco and 18-year-old Isaac Miranda.

The first shooting occurred near the corner of Clarkdale Avenue and 168th Street Saturday at around 9:44 p.m. Four suspects were driving a blue Chevrolet Impala in Artesia when they encountered a rival gang member, the press release said. A verbal altercation ensued, and gunshots were exchanged between both parties, authorities said. The suspects in the car fled the area, while a pedestrian who was shot was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, the sheriff's department said.

Only 20 minutes later, the four suspects returned to area, according to officials. While driving down the 11000 block of Arkansas Street, a man in the same car opened fire on another man who had been walking down the street, authorities said.

"The victim, who appears to have been at the wrong place at the wrong time, was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries," officials said.

A handgun was recovered at the scene of the arrest, authorities said. The four suspects were charged with one count each of murder and attempted murder, and two counts each of shooting from a vehicle.